What is an RCFE?
There are many seniors who would prefer to stay in their home instead of going to a long-term care facility or a nursing home. However, sometimes these seniors have physical or mental disabilities that preclude that choice. Others are simply alone. Does that mean these seniors have to go to a nursing home? Today, there is a newer option for seniors who are not able to care for themselves but do not require 24-hour nursing care.
Called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), these smaller facilities ranging from 6-16 beds provide a room, housekeeping, meals, supervision, and distribution of medications. Further they also provide personal care assistance like dressing, bathing, eating and hygiene. RCFEs typically serve individuals over the age of 60.
So what is the big difference between nursing homes and RCFEs?
The essential difference between RCFEs and nursing homes is that there is no nursing or medical care provided. RCFEs are not considered medical facilities like nursing homes and hence do not have nurses, doctors or certified nursing assistants on the premises.
RCFEs are usually much smaller than nursing homes and provide individualized personal care to each resident. Usually, most have 6-16 beds and other than not having nursing staff, provide the same type of care as any nursing home.
More and more people are choosing to seek out and RCFE because of the smaller “home like” feel and more personal care as opposed to a larger commercial assisted living or memory care building.
Are RCFEs safe?
All RCFEs in the state of California have to meet certain safety standards, and they are regularly inspected for compliance by the Department of Social Services.
Depending on the RCFE, they may offer special services for individuals with dementia as long as they meet certain state licensing requirements. For individuals who do require nursing care like tube feeding or have pressure sores, then an RCFE may not accept such individuals into the facility. However, it all depends on the facility and its licensing standards for looking after individual with “restricted” health conditions.
Who looks after the senior in an RCFE?
The people who work at an RCFE need to take a certification program and pass an exam. All staff are provided with training. There is usually an administrator on the premises 24 hours/day and at least one staff member is trained in CPR and on duty at all times.
What is cost of RCFEs?
The cost generally depends on many factors such as type of accommodation, range of services and location. The costs may vary form a low of $2500 to $7000 a month. Individuals who require more specialized care will have to pay more. In addition, many seniors choose to live in higher end or premium RCFE assisted living communities.
Is there a pre admission fee?
Yes and no. Some facilities do not charge anything but others may charge a fee to obtain the medical records and to set up the admission process. RCFEs are generally not covered by Medicare and are considered private.
In some cases, long-term care insurance may cover the cost. If you are a veteran, then Aid and Attendance benefit is available. In some parts of California, there are governmental assistance programs where Medi-Cal pays for eligible residents who need nursing level care to live in an RCFE.
How can I learn more about RCFEs?
To know more about the facility, contract the local district office for community care and they will provide you with history of the place such as complaints or non-compliance.
What else do RCFEs offer?
There is staff available 24 hours a day.
Activities that are appropriate for seniors are offered every single day to keep the residents engaged and active. Some RCFEs will also permit residents to keep a small sized dog. Further, many RCFEs usually have a nurse or doctor on call in case of an emergency.
Some other health services that may be provided by an RCFE may include the following:
– Help with monitoring of blood sugars but will not administer insulin injections.
– Help incontinent residents to use the restroom and may help with some aspects of bladder and bowel incontinence
– Help non-ambulatory seniors with transfer to a wheelchair or bed.
What facilities do RCFEs have?
Many RCFEs also have parking for residents and many even have complimentary transportation to take the senior to the doctor
Meals usually offered depend on your culture and religion. And some assisted living communities even offer private chefs to cook custom meals.
Other amenities that may be available include indoor and outdoor common areas like a TV room, recreational area, wheelchair accessible showers, on site beautician and barber.
What are advantages of living in an RCFE?
Today RCFEs provide care for thousands of seniors through out the state of California. The living environment is very comfortable with supervision but without compromising independence.
The other major advantage of RCFEs is that they are considerably cheaper than larger nursing home facilities and feel like a home.
There are no rigid rules likes in a nursing home.
Overall, the cost of stay in an RCFE can be considerably less than in a nursing home.
What are options for RCFE assisted living in San Juan Capistrano?
If you are in need of assisted living services and are in the South Orange County, CA area, Adagio San Juan offers premium RCFE living arrangements in San Juan Capistrano. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour of our facilities.
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